Editing Personal flotation device (section)

{{short description|Equipment to help the wearer keep afloat in water}}
{{Redirect|Lifejacket}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{More citations needed|date=June 2021}}
{{Original research|date=June 2021}}
}}
[[File:USS HARPERS FERRY (LSD 49) 131116-N-TQ272-505 (10943238764).jpg|thumb|Personal flotation devices being worn on a navy transport |340x340px]]
A '''personal flotation device''' ('''PFD'''; also referred to as a '''life jacket''', '''life preserver''', '''life belt''', '''Mae West''', '''life vest''', '''life saver''', '''cork jacket''', '''buoyancy aid''' or '''flotation suit''') is a flotation device in the form of a vest or suit that is worn by a user to prevent the wearer from [[drowning]] in a [[body of water]]. The device will keep the wearer afloat with their head and mouth above the surface – they do not have to swim or [[Treading water|tread water]] in order to stay afloat and can even be unconscious.

PFDs are commonly worn on small [[watercraft]] or other locations where accidental entry into deep water may occur in order to provide immediate support for the wearer should they end up in the water. PFDs are also kept on large vessels for passengers to wear in an emergency in order to help them stay afloat should they be forced to enter the water or accidentally fall [[Man overboard|overboard]] during an evacuation. PFDs are commonly worn for swimming and other activities that require an individual to be in water. This is for reasons such as safety (to prevent the drowning of weak swimmers, swimmers in dangerous conditions or swimmers far from safety), to make swimming easier and less demanding, to allow someone who is unable to swim to safely enter water, or as assistance for activities such as [[water skiing]].

PFDs are available in different sizes to accommodate variations in [[Human body weight|body weight]]. Designs differ depending on wearing convenience, the activities and conditions they are designed to be used in and the level of protection the wearer needs. There are three main types of PFDs: life jackets, [[buoyancy aid]]s and [[survival suit]]s; PFDs are most often constructed out of foam pieces, with the exception of some life jackets which are inflated with air. Other highly specialized forms of PFDs include [[Buoyancy compensator (diving)|buoyancy compensators]] used for [[scuba diving]], and submarine escape devices.